In July 2019, President Trump remarked on Iran’s negotiating prowess amid heightened tensions, following his withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions. As US-Iranian tensions rise again, negotiations are set to resume in Oman, raising questions about the focus on Iran’s nuclear program rather than its internal repression. The initial expectations of US support for protesters were unmet as the Iranian regime’s violent crackdown continued without consequence. Ultimately, Trump’s administration opted for escalation management over confrontation, reflecting a reluctance to engage in another Middle Eastern conflict.
